I am totally sick to death of bad drivers. Yesterday for example, I pulled out from my parking place in a supermarket car pack, drove a few ywards and this woman in a VW reversed - shot out of her parking space without looking! If I hadn't have been paying attention there would have been a crash.

Someone else then pulled out right in front of me without looking.

Carrying on my journey I had a van stop in front of me turn left THEN signalled - so he naturally got hooted.

Some idiot pulled right out in front of me on a roundabout and then slowed.

This stupid woman then cut someone up on a roundabout before cutting in front of me - swapping lanes without signalling - so again she got hooted, not to many all the other idiots on the road.

My car is bright yellow, - bought specifically for visibility. If people can't see it, they should not be driving.

I'm sorry but isn't the easiest way to cut congestion on our roads is to ban this kind of driver? Have they even passed their tests? I'm not perfect but at least I don't do dangerous things like the above!!

Apart from that did you get any bargains at the shops ? :D

Women drivers they should be the first to be banned :hihi: :hihi: :hihi:

Yes, when I finally got from Chestefrield to Crystal Peaks in one piece - I did get some bargains!:)

Originally posted by Joanna
Yes, when I finally got from Chestefrield to Crystal Peaks in one piece - I did get some bargains!:)

I hope you drove carefully through Eckington as they have speed cameras set up there, and your next moan will no doubt be about getting a speeding ticket :D

Yes I always do, but this stupid woman zoomed right up behind me in New Whit so I jammed my brakes on and she nearly ran into me! I always do that with tailgaitors but the thick cow didn't get the hint so I continued to go at the speed limit (lol).
Speed cameras don't bother me as I do the speed limit and I know where they are!
There is another post about speed cameras.:)

Can't think of anything to moan about now - I've said it all for the moment!

I have had a car for the last 15 years and I've driven in Manchester, Liverpool, London, Stoke-on-Trent, Glasgow and loads of other places in between.

Drivers in Sheffield are by and large the most polite, considerate, rule following and safe that I have come across. There are some lunatics spoiling it for the rest of us but not many. Also, the consideration of other road users is second to none. Pedestrians and cyclists tend to have to do something dangerous before drivers resort to the horn, in other places you get the horn just for being there.

I don't think drivers in Stoke-on-Trent know what the little orange lights are for; I suppose the in-breeding there probably means that out of the mnemonic "mirror-signal-manouvre" they can only remember two of the words and they pick the ones that start with the same letter. Either that or they forget how to do them and since signalling requires you to remember what that lever on the steering column is for, remember which way is which and then have the dexterity to use it, they don't really stand a chance.

London is simply a nightmare.

Manchester and Liverpool are OK if you know where you're going but they like the horn a bit too much.

I go for a karmic approach to using the road; giving way, not blocking side-streets and driveways, stopping at zebra crossings, giving cyclists room to wobble as I pass, slowing down a bit to let pedestrians get across without hurrying; these things will come back to you.

Originally posted by Joanna
Yes I always do, but this stupid woman zoomed right up behind me in New Whit so I jammed my brakes on and she nearly ran into me! I always do that with tailgaitors but the thick cow didn't get the hint so I continued to go at the speed limit (lol).
Speed cameras don't bother me as I do the speed limit and I know where they are!
There is another post about speed cameras.:)

Can't think of anything to moan about now - I've said it all for the moment!

Don't touch your brakes Joanna, just flick your lights on and off, these idiots who tailgate are to dim to to realise the difference and you have less chance of being rammed by them.

You write a lot of sense. I guess I get annoyed just by people's stupidity. I enjoy driving in Sheffield rather than Chesterfield. I also understand some drivers do not know where they are going and make mistakes because of that but it's the arrogant ones that just don't bother to drive well at all.

I'm glad I don't do alot of driving like you do - these bad drivers put me of from driving long distances. I'm always grateful that I get back alive!

I am polite too - I often give way to other drivers and pedestrians. If there's a traffic jam - I don't block off roads so people can't get out. I always keep them clear and let people go in front of me etc.:)

Originally posted by Joanna
this stupid woman zoomed right up behind me in New Whit so I jammed my brakes on and she nearly ran into me! I always do that with tailgaitors but the thick cow didn't get the hint so I continued to go at the speed limit (lol).

Thats obviously a highly intelligent thing to do!

And you've just been moaning about bad drivers!!!!:loopy:

Yes, there's nothing more fun than spending a nice afternoon being cut out of your car by the fire brigade after someone has rear-ended you.

Originally posted by Joanna
Yes I always do, but this stupid woman zoomed right up behind me in New Whit so I jammed my brakes on and she nearly ran into me! I always do that with tailgaitors but the thick cow didn't get the hint so I continued to go at the speed limit (lol).
Speed cameras don't bother me as I do the speed limit and I know where they are!
There is another post about speed cameras.:)

Can't think of anything to moan about now - I've said it all for the moment!
i am sorry but you sound like a bad driver, jamming on your brakes is the most stupid thing you can do. granted these people are tailgating you but is it worth risking your life , thier life or even that of innocent pedestrians?

so you continued to go at speed limit. what speed where you going before then? if you are going to slag off other road user then you need to make sure that everything you do is perfect and within the law or you have no valid arguement.

your horn should be saved for emergancys not just to let someone know they p**S*d you off. i have only ever used my horn twice in a year, if i used it for things like you do it would be worn out by now,

Originally posted by savbaby
your horn should be saved for emergancys not just to let someone know they p**S*d you off

Oh dear :blush:

Originally posted by Joanna
I am totally sick to death of bad drivers. Yesterday for example, I pulled out from my parking place in a supermarket car pack, drove a few ywards and this woman in a VW reversed - shot out of her parking space without looking! If I hadn't have been paying attention there would have been a crash.

Funny thing, two woman did actually crash in our supermarket car park yesterday when a silly woman didnt look while reversing out.:hihi:

I have my own views about how to cut congestion on our roads. here are my top tips.

1. Charge double road tax for anyone who ever wants to park on-street. Using a different coloured disc would soon have those morons blocking our roads back on their perfectly good driveways!

2. Remove all traffic calming. All it does is increase journey time, hence increasing the number of vehicles on the road at any one time. All that changing up and down the gearbox also adds to polution. Motor vehicles are at their most efficient when travelling in top gear!

3. Turn off traffic lights. I don't remember where it was exactly, but some town had a major failure of their traffic lights (due to a flood I think). It was later found that traffic had moved 20% better while the lights were not working! Again it would cut journey time and so cut the amount of time each vehicle is pumping out polution.

4. Withdraw funding for non-commercial bus services. Why are we paying to subsidise buses nobody uses? If there was a decent demand for them they would pay for themselves. Instead we have buses running around empty which WE are paying for! Get them off the roads now!

5. Force anyone learning to drive a car to also learn to drive an articulated lorry and a bus. If they don't pass all the relevant tests within 2 years of obtaining their car licence ALL their licences should be revoked. One of the main source of accidents is people in small cars who do not understand the geometry of how long vehicles move and their need for increased stopping distances etc.

6. Raise speed limits in built up areas from 30 to 40 MPH. Modern vehicles have much better braking, acceleration and crash protection than those on the roads many years ago when this 30 limit was introduced. Surely this increased vehicle safety should mean they can operate faster without being more dangerous?

7. Remove all speed cameras. People slam their brakes on when they see one and get shunted by the car behind! I wonder how many accidents of this type happen around cameras? Especially since they have been painted in more visible colours.

Finally the truth about women drivers! They're not actually the worst. If you really want to see bad driving look no further than your nearest OAP!

Originally posted by savbaby
i am sorry but you sound like a bad driver, jamming on your brakes is the most stupid thing you can do. granted these people are tailgating you but is it worth risking your life , thier life or even that of innocent pedestrians?

so you continued to go at speed limit. what speed where you going before then? if you are going to slag off other road user then you need to make sure that everything you do is perfect and within the law or you have no valid arguement.

your horn should be saved for emergancys not just to let someone know they p**S*d you off. i have only ever used my horn twice in a year, if i used it for things like you do it would be worn out by now,

Excuse me, I don't care if she had hit me, not my insurance you see. The law states that it's the person's fault who ran into the back of you. You were prbably the person tailgaiting me. So what if I jam my brakes on - serves them right.

I'm a bad driver? Sorry passed my test first time, so not. My boyfriend who is a manager at a well known bus company also tells me I'm one of the few people he trusts and feels safe with when I drive.

Ok.

Originally posted by andy1702
I have my own views about how to cut congestion on our roads. here are my top tips.

1. Charge double road tax for anyone who ever wants to park on-street. Using a different coloured disc would soon have those morons blocking our roads back on their perfectly good driveways!

what about when there is no way to park on drive ways? or if there is no drive ways?

Originally posted by andy1702
2. Remove all traffic calming. All it does is increase journey time, hence increasing the number of vehicles on the road at any one time. All that changing up and down the gearbox also adds to polution. Motor vehicles are at their most efficient when travelling in top gear!

these are usually in buillt up areas to keep people from speeding,

Originally posted by andy1702
3. Turn off traffic lights. I don't remember where it was exactly, but some town had a major failure of their traffic lights (due to a flood I think). It was later found that traffic had moved 20% better while the lights were not working! Again it would cut journey time and so cut the amount of time each vehicle is pumping out polution.

oh yeah and turning traffic lights off will be safe..... just think all the electricity we are providing them could go towards the insurance compaies who will have more claims for them

Originally posted by andy1702
4. Withdraw funding for non-commercial bus services. Why are we paying to subsidise buses nobody uses? If there was a decent demand for them they would pay for themselves. Instead we have buses running around empty which WE are paying for! Get them off the roads now!


full agreeable

Originally posted by andy1702
5. Force anyone learning to drive a car to also learn to drive an articulated lorry and a bus. If they don't pass all the relevant tests within 2 years of obtaining their car licence ALL their licences should be revoked. One of the main source of accidents is people in small cars who do not understand the geometry of how long vehicles move and their need for increased stopping distances etc.

what planet are you? who is going to pay for all these lessons?

Originally posted by andy1702
6. Raise speed limits in built up areas from 30 to 40 MPH. Modern vehicles have much better braking, acceleration and crash protection than those on the roads many years ago when this 30 limit was introduced. Surely this increased vehicle safety should mean they can operate faster without being more dangerous?

the reason it is 30mph and not 40mph,is not because of stopping distances really, but due to the fact that if you hit somebody at said speeds you aresomething like 30% less likely to kill

Originally posted by andy1702
7. Remove all speed cameras. People slam their brakes on when they see one and get shunted by the car behind! I wonder how many accidents of this type happen around cameras? Especially since they have been painted in more visible colours. if you was not going over speed limit you would not to slam your brakes on,

so in all, your sugestions would not help out with congestion, because there would be more accidents to clear up after,

Originally posted by Joanna
Excuse me, I don't care if she had hit me, not my insurance you see. The law states that it's the person's fault who ran into the back of you. You were prbably the person tailgaiting me. So what if I jam my brakes on - serves them right.


perhaps the people who cut you up etc, do not care either

You use your horn as a warning - that's why I used it cos these ******s nearly caused an accident. I don't tend to drive round like most cut drivers do - hooting people just to show off. I was doing the speed limit - what do you think I was doing? You're probably a do gooder who wants everyone to do 10 miles an hour - sorry don't do that, not my style.

Actually, if you slam your brakes on for no reason and they hit you, you could be held liable for dangerous driving. Oh, and if they are uninsured then you'll be paying for it, along with probably suffering from whiplash.

You sound like a very angry and agressive driver.

Is it really worth it?

Originally posted by Joanna
Excuse me, I don't care if she had hit me, not my insurance you see. The law states that it's the person's fault who ran into the back of you. You were prbably the person tailgaiting me. So what if I jam my brakes on - serves them right.

I'm a bad driver? Sorry passed my test first time, so not. My boyfriend who is a manager at a well known bus company also tells me I'm one of the few people he trusts and feels safe with when I drive.

Ok.
it may well have been on your insurance as previous poster has pointed out. i dont tailgate love as i am considerate but if i am being tailgated then i just dont let it get to me.

they always say the worst drivers pass 1st time. And no matter how good you were at your test you are only taught how to pass you test the real learning starts when on open road on your own.
you boyfriend worksfor a bus company? well bus drivers are inconsiderate, tailgate and pull out on people and just get away with it. read the bus threads on here to see the horror stories.
Originally posted by Joanna
You're probably a do gooder who wants everyone to do 10 miles an hour - sorry don't do that, not my style.

i aint a do gooder and dont claim to be britains best driver but as you have just proved with you reaction to me you don have much patience.

Originally posted by andy1702

3. Turn off traffic lights.

Perhaps not all traffic lights, but some definately seem to do more harm than good. I remember when the ones at the bottom of Corporation Street used to fail semi-regularly and the rush hour queues disappeared with everyone taking turns, slowly filtering out at the junction.

Personally, I'd solve congestion by banning everyone from driving except me :)

Originally posted by Joanna
I don't tend to drive round like most cut drivers do - hooting people just to show off. .

We were out a lot in the car today with the windows down and I didn't hear one single hoot.....perhaps Sunday isn't a showing off day ? :D

Originally posted by owdlad
Apart from that did you get any bargains at the shops ? :D

Women drivers they should be the first to be banned :hihi: :hihi: :hihi:


Especially from shopping with any 4X4 they cannot manouver in car parks and move forward especially in car parks. Amongst them all I have only seen one and shee was superb. I think they should be forced to have a version of the mini bus test. Also allocated parking spaces at the back of the car park out of the way of everyone else. If you want to do some spotting try Co-op car park Swallownest.

Originally posted by savbaby
.... if i am being tailgated then i just dont let it get to me.

I just let 'em pass me @ the 1st safest moment. Let the idiots hit a tree:D!



Originally posted by savbaby
they always say the worst drivers pass 1st time.

I passed 1st time, and don't think I'm a bad driver:(.



Originally posted by savbaby
real learning starts when on open road on your own.

Never a truer (collection of) word(s) typed:thumbsup:

I with you sav, if someone is tailgating me I don't let it get to me, more than happy for them to overtake me when it's safe to do so. I'm aware of them, but more concerned with what's in front of me and going on all around me.

Everyone makes mistakes, no matter how experienced a driver they are. You make mistakes too, and when you do - you join the club of the 'bad drivers' and probably make someone else as mad as you say you feel.

Getting overly angry and annoyed at minor incidents makes you a bad driver and more likely to make mistakes because driving when so angry is not a good idea.

Take a chill pill love and cut the rest of the world a bit of slack.

Originally posted by andy1702
1. Charge double road tax for anyone who ever wants to park on-street. Using a different coloured disc would soon have those morons blocking our roads back on their perfectly good driveways!
I'm sitting on the fence with this one. People in terraced streets with more than one car per household fascinate me. Where does everybody park? :suspect:

Originally posted by andy1702
2. Remove all traffic calming....
It wouldn't be there if drivers could behave themselves in the first place :roll:

Originally posted by andy1702
3. Turn off traffic lights. I don't remember where it was exactly, but some town had a major failure of their traffic lights (due to a flood I think). It was later found that traffic had moved 20% better while the lights were not working!
It was in York, and arguably the reduced congestion was due to people avoiding the area like the plague!!

Originally posted by andy1702
4. Withdraw funding for non-commercial bus services. Why are we paying to subsidise buses nobody uses? If there was a decent demand for them they would pay for themselves. Instead we have buses running around empty which WE are paying for! Get them off the roads now!
No! Ban them all, and make car-sharing a legal requirement ;)

Originally posted by andy1702
5. Force anyone learning to drive a car to also learn to drive an articulated lorry and a bus...
:clap: This would reduce accidents by huge amounts :clap:

Originally posted by andy1702
6. Raise speed limits in built up areas from 30 to 40 MPH. Modern vehicles have much better braking, acceleration and crash protection than those on the roads many years ago when this 30 limit was introduced.
They were also set before our streets were littered with so many 'hazzards', like parked cars that prevent us from seeing children trying to cross the road, so the limit should be lowered in built up areas :mad:

Originally posted by andy1702
7. Remove all speed cameras. People slam their brakes on when they see one and get shunted by the car behind! I wonder how many accidents of this type happen around cameras? Especially since they have been painted in more visible colours.

This problem is greatest on dual carriageway A roads where those nasty white circle/diagonal black stripe signs are present. Too many people believe this means '60' when it means '70' in these circumstances. It's the signs that need sorting out, not the cameras.

Originally posted by andy1702
Finally the truth about women drivers! They're not actually the worst. If you really want to see bad driving look no further than your nearest OAP!
:suspect: Not going to enter this debate, coz my list would be too long :P

Originally posted by Hels
I with you sav, if someone is tailgating me I don't let it get to me, more than happy for them to overtake me when it's safe to do so. I'm aware of them, but more concerned with what's in front of me and going on all around me.


If everyone looked after the front end of their car,most crashes would be avoided.Accidents are accidents they happen.

The bus problem needs looking at. Big filthy diesels running around EMPTY most of the day and full of offensive, ignorant chavs the rest of the time. How about drink/ drug driving carrying a LIFETIME ban- theres no excuse for it ? And now the most contentious suggestion, any new applicants for British nationality to be told no new driving licences to be issued until such time as the congestion eases.

Originally posted by Nimrod
The bus problem needs looking at. Big filthy diesels running around EMPTY most of the day and full of offensive, ignorant chavs the rest of the time. How about drink/ drug driving carrying a LIFETIME ban- theres no excuse for it ? And now the most contentious suggestion, any new applicants for British nationality to be told no new driving licences to be issued until such time as the congestion eases.

that'll make a huge difference, what with the millions of immigrants all immediately buying cars. Wow, you should work for the government.

Re: tailgaters, covering the break is sufficient, the lights come on, but there's no chance of being rear ended.

Originally posted by Strix This problem is greatest on dual carriageway A roads where those nasty white circle/diagonal black stripe signs are present. Too many people believe this means '60' when it means '70' in these circumstances. It's the signs that need sorting out, not the cameras. [/B]
We should take a leaf out of Scotland's book. Roads in many parts of Scotland have standard 'number in red circle' speed limit signs, even if that number is 70. Removes all possibility of misinterpretation.

Originally posted by Nimrod
The bus problem needs looking at. Big filthy diesels running around EMPTY most of the day and full of offensive, ignorant chavs the rest of the time.

What has the profile of bus users got to do with anything, other than providing you with an opportunity to have a (tired) dig at the underclass?

Originally posted by Nimrod
And now the most contentious suggestion, any new applicants for British nationality to be told no new driving licences to be issued until such time as the congestion eases.

Good idea. While we're at it, how about whites-only lanes?

Greenback, no racial issue was intended, only All new applicants to be told sorry but roads are too full wait your turn. The white supremacy people make me as sick as anybody else. As for chavs, then they deserve all the stick they get. If we went back to 2 man bus crews perhaps the presence of a conductor would help the chavs to behave a little better. In my youth the conductor was in charge of the bus, misbehave and you got off at the next stop. People felt safer on the buses then, just ask anyone around 60 years old. Better still, imagine riding on a bus full of moronic chavs if you are female.

Originally posted by Nimrod
... And now the most contentious suggestion, any new applicants for British nationality to be told no new driving licences to be issued until such time as the congestion eases.

The problem with immigrants to this country from outside the EU is not the issue of a licence, but the fact that if they have a full licence from their country of origin, the are allowed to drive unsupervised on our roads for up to 12 months from entry by means of an 'international driving permit'.

This means that they do not have to take the UK driving test during that time, but if they want to continue to drive after the 12 months is up, during their 12 months period of grace, they must apply for a UK provisional licence and then take and passs the driving test. From my experience, the standards of these countries is much much lower than ours, and they are in fact a danger on our roads.

The situation for EU residents is different in that they can drive in this country for as long as they like without taking a test. If they so wish, they can merely exchange their foreign licence for a UK one (but not hold both). From my experience of driving in countries such as Greece, this is also a mistake.

BTW this is not a racist comment but merely a statement of fact and my experience of foreign drivers, especially from countries in the middle east.

Roundabouts seem to be a big problem with non-British drivers.

I may be wrong but in some countries, I believe, those going on to the roundabout have the right of way over those already on the roundabout.

I've been a passenger in a number of cars who've been pulled out on by non-british drivers (we assumed because of the French and other foreign number plates) and one idiot actually came speeding on to the roundabout (without so much as stopping to check traffic) behind us and had the cheek to complain with flashing lights and horn that we were in his way!

On the female drivers issue, I'm just going to say... insurance companies must give cheaper car insurance to women for a reason. Apparently it's statistically shown that women are involved in less accidents than men.

I can see your point Saxon. But if we change our law so that no foreign licenses, or only certain ones are accepted, then no doubt the countries excluded will reciprocate. I've driving in France, Switzerland and Italy. To take a test in each in order to drive for a week or two would be a non starter.

Originally posted by Norton
Roundabouts seem to be a big problem with non-British drivers.

I may be wrong but in some countries, I believe, those going on to the roundabout have the right of way over those already on the roundabout.

I've been a passenger in a number of cars who've been pulled out on by non-british drivers (we assumed because of the French and other foreign number plates) and one idiot actually came speeding on to the roundabout (without so much as stopping to check traffic) behind us and had the cheek to complain with flashing lights and horn that we were in his way!

On the female drivers issue, I'm just going to say... insurance companies must give cheaper car insurance to women for a reason. Apparently it's statistically shown that women are involved in less accidents than men.

french roundabouts work the same way as our own, as do italian and swiss. I can't comment on anywhere else. But it can be confusing going around a roundabout in the wrong direction, I've looked the wrong way myself whilst driving on the continent and had to make a speedy correction.

Re: women and insurance. I think they actually make more claims, but the overall payout / driver is less because most claims are for minor damage.

Originally posted by Joanna
Excuse me, I don't care if she had hit me, not my insurance you see. The law states that it's the person's fault who ran into the back of you. You were prbably the person tailgaiting me. So what if I jam my brakes on - serves them right.

Ok.

well I hope you can live with yourself if they died. Last time I checked we dont have the death penalty for bad driving.

what about pedestrians? when the other car hit you one of the cars could go on the pavement and someone would be run over.

Regardless of legal responsilbity what you did is extremely dangerous and irresponsible and maybe you should consider if you should be on the road before you criticise others.

Talking about driving on the other side, it would be best if WE were to change the side on which WE drive and not the other way around. Having spent several years on other european countries roads I prefer the other side when it comes to driving controls.

I do think that the standards of driving should be maintained periodically and yes drivers should have there licences removed if it is deemed they do not share the responsibilty of other road users.

If you want to help congestion in Sheffield then have a look at www.sytravelwise.net and join the car share scheme or similar.

Originally posted by Saxon
The problem with immigrants to this country from outside the EU is not the issue of a licence, but the fact that if they have a full licence from their country of origin, the are allowed to drive unsupervised on our roads for up to 12 months from entry by means of an 'international driving permit'.

This means that they do not have to take the UK driving test during that time, but if they want to continue to drive after the 12 months is up, during their 12 months period of grace, they must apply for a UK provisional licence and then take and passs the driving test. From my experience, the standards of these countries is much much lower than ours, and they are in fact a danger on our roads.

The situation for EU residents is different in that they can drive in this country for as long as they like without taking a test. If they so wish, they can merely exchange their foreign licence for a UK one (but not hold both). From my experience of driving in countries such as Greece, this is also a mistake.

BTW this is not a racist comment but merely a statement of fact and my experience of foreign drivers, especially from countries in the middle east.

When I lived in the States the rule was (in California anyway) if you intend to stay more than 3 months you must get a californian license. Maybe thats the way we should go. If oyu are on holiday for 1 or 2 weeks, then fine you can drive. Else you have to get a British license.

Originally posted by nightrider
When I lived in the States the rule was (in California anyway) if you intend to stay more than 3 months you must get a californian license. Maybe thats the way we should go. If oyu are on holiday for 1 or 2 weeks, then fine you can drive. Else you have to get a British license.

I guess it was considered originally and 12 months was the period set. I can see the argument for lowering it though.

I don't see why driving on the other side is any different. Afterall, you get a left hand drive car for driving on the right, the driver is in a mirror image position of our standard.
The only problems I had were (for about an hour) changing gear, kept banging my hand into the door, then remembering to try the other hand. And the occaisional forgetful moment when i'd look the wrong way first, or turn a corner and find myself driving on the left (fortunately only on quiet roads with no one else around).

I think there should be stricter rules on driving - some people pass their test and think they're invincible, then they go get themselves killed.

It also ****** me off how people can take 1,001 tests failing each time and then get it right once and get their license.

Originally posted by AndrewC
I think there should be stricter rules on driving - some people pass their test and think they're invincible, then they go get themselves killed.

It also ****** me off how people can take 1,001 tests failing each time and then get it right once and get their license.

call it natural selection.

and suggest an alternative then?

Wooo! Yellow Cars!

I got one of those, and my mum has too.

Looks quite comical when you walk down my road


Anyway, BACK ON TOPIC!

Originally posted by andy1702
I have my own views about how to cut congestion on our roads. here are my top tips.

6. Raise speed limits in built up areas from 30 to 40 MPH. Modern vehicles have much better braking, acceleration and crash protection than those on the roads many years ago when this 30 limit was introduced. Surely this increased vehicle safety should mean they can operate faster without being more dangerous?

7. Remove all speed cameras. People slam their brakes on when they see one and get shunted by the car behind! I wonder how many accidents of this type happen around cameras? Especially since they have been painted in more visible colours.



Disagree on point 6. Just because car safety has increaced, doesn't mean a drivers reactions are up to the job.

If anything, built up areas should be dropped to 20mph.

Agree with removing *Most* speedcameras.
I feel they should be reserved for outside schools, nurserys, hospitals and the like.

When I went to pick up my car from nottingham, theres one road where there is a speed camera on a cannopy every 100m or so.
I think I spent more time looking at my speedo, than where I was going. This has got nothing to do with knowing how fast a certain speed is, as in my new car, 30mph feels a lot slower than 30mph in my old car. 30mph on my motorbike feels like walking.

They had something on topgear a while back about car control, and I completely agree.

Part of your test should be taken on a track. You have to pull in a reasonable lap time, nothing too fast, just fast enough to prove your not scared of the car.

most accidents by young male drivers (the group most likely to have an accident) are caused by over confidence rather than under confidence.

There are a couple of major problems being a motorist. Firstly, everybody's personality changes as soon as they get behind the wheel. Why is everyone in such a rush?! If we all slowed down a bit we'd all have an easier journey.

As has been rightly pointed out, passing your test merely allows the motorist to begin to learn and gain experience as a driver. But along with speed, there's aggression and I can't understand why this is. Being so aggressive and in such a hurry doesn't give the motorist enough time to allow for what could transpire, to be able to adapt to the conditions and so on.

An example:

You are waiting to turn right out of a side-street. The road into which you are turning has cars parked on both sides. Your vision is severely restricted due to parked cars (or more likely, vans). As soon as you exit the side-street you have no other choice than being in the middle of the road with nowhere to pull into.

You look left, right, left and right again. It appears safe to proceed. You pull out, but in the blinking of an eye a car is hurtling towards you at god knows what speed. Thus, you end up having to reverse back whence you came. (Either that or sit in your car with an 'I'm not going anywhere, pal' attitude.)

A similar thing happened to me on Crookesmoor Road, notorious for double parking. In order to allow cars to come up, I waited alongside a space on the off-side. This would have been fine if it wasn't for the young lady who came up towards me, only to indicate and PARK in the gap. The situation was soon made worse by the inevitable wake that followed her (in a rush as per) only to find themselves blocked because the lady had taken up the gap (and left me looking like the inpatient prat sat in the middle of the road!).

My second grumble is that we should be re-tested every ten years, then when we turn 60, every five. This would give an instructor the chance to point out where our driving standards could be improved. Let's be honest, we all drive in something akin to a comfort zone and can forget that our driving is becoming sloppy.

Oh and whilst I'm in rant mode, any vehicle which is audible by its BOOM, BOOM, BOOM a mile away before it comes past my house/shop/ should be immediately taken to the scrap yard and crushed, preferably with the driver still inside.

Originally posted by Ousetunes
Oh and whilst I'm in rant mode, any vehicle which is audible by its BOOM, BOOM, BOOM a mile away before it comes past my house/shop/ should be immediately taken to the scrap yard and crushed, preferably with the driver still inside.
I agree. On the grounds that they can't possibly hear the sirens of approaching emergency vehicles :D Driving with out due care and attention I believe ;)

On the grounds that they can't possibly hear the sirens of approaching emergency vehicles

If any beggar bothered to look in their mirror on anything approaching a regular basis it wouldn't be an issue.

When I went to pick up my car from nottingham, theres one road where there is a speed camera on a cannopy every 100m or so.

The SPECS system, also in use on the Stocksbridge bypass - brilliant and very effective system.

I think I spent more time looking at my speedo, than where I was going.

Why do people say this? An occasional glance every 5-10 seconds is fine (you know, like you should be checking your mirrors) - you don't need to stare at the dial to know your speed!

Excuse me, I don't care if she had hit me, not my insurance you see. The law states that it's the person's fault who ran into the back of you. You were prbably the person tailgaiting me. So what if I jam my brakes on - serves them right.

Nice attitude. With that sort of "every man for himself" attitude, it's no wonder there's so much road rage.

Oh and whilst I'm in rant mode, any vehicle which is audible by its BOOM, BOOM, BOOM a mile away before it comes past my house/shop/ should be immediately taken to the scrap yard and crushed, preferably with the driver still inside.

Agree :clap:

People seem to think they have a right to drive - they don't, it's a privilige!

I think every new driver should be required to take a course with their Police Traffic Division and pass a more advanced test after a probationary period. Yes, I agree, banning bad drivers would reduce congestion. I'm a taxi driver who drives 80,000 miles a year. Something I hate, however, are the "Captains of the Road" who hoot you if you make a mistake in front of them. They are all, of course, faultless drivers! Your horn is for warning other drivers of your presence, not a means of rebuking them! Kevin.

*Smiles at the irony of a taxi driver preaching about safe driving*

Originally posted by Ousetunes

My second grumble is that we should be re-tested every ten years, then when we turn 60, every five. This would give an instructor the chance to point out where our driving standards could be improved. Let's be honest, we all drive in something akin to a comfort zone and can forget that our driving is becoming sloppy.



I agreed with everything in your post except the statement above. Can't imagine having to take my test every 10 years, once was enough ta very much!

Originally posted by Claire28
I agreed with everything in your post except the statement above. Can't imagine having to take my test every 10 years, once was enough ta very much!

surely 10 years on you should be an execellent driver and retaking it just a formality?

The problem is that we have no infrastructure to do this. The current system can barely cope with the number of new drivers, never mind any retests.

Originally posted by kev21662
Your horn is for warning other drivers of your presence

No it's not.

It's for warning other road users, not just other drivers;).

Well I don't think anyone should be allowed to drive until they are 21. However that won't solve the problem of the number of already illegal young drivers.

One of the problems with new (particularly young) drivers is as soon as they pass their test they think they can drive and they think they know everything.

They are all to quick to judge others, usually because, although they have a driving license, they lack the experience of driving.

It makes me laugh how some of these new, young drivers think they are far superior to everyone else - it only illustrates their immaturity :thumbsup:

A motor vehicle is a lethal weapon, the sooner some people realise this they better.

Oscar Wilde said "I'm not young enough to know everything" - spot on!

I thought I knew it all after I passed my test, until I wrote off my car - luckily not causing any injury or damage to property. It made ma a lot more cautious I can tell you!

Since then, I've done another 3 weeks full-time driver training (for work) - it's astonishing how much you can learn on top of what gets you through your test. I'm a lot more aware of what's happening outside my car now than I was before.

Og, and while I'm posting - cars with these "tuned" exhausts or tinted windows should also be liable to immediate crushing.

sorry to hear about your bad experience while out shopping,
your right there is some bad drivers out there. Did you know around 60% of your insurance premium is to cover for these bad drivers. not bragging ive been driving a car for 21 years and had no accidents (you watch ill have one now) im 40 and have got 9 years no claims and im still paying £700 for my car insurance, I think your insurance should be based on your own record not someone elses, if they made it so you got a 3 month ban after an accident (if proven to be your fault) then it would certainly make people more aware when driving.
Also (not having a go at elderly drivers) but i think they should make drivers over 60 take a retest and medical inc eye test every 3 years (hgv drivers have to) 40% of people drive with defective eye sight, i know elderly drivers that drive at 25mph everywhere no matter what, thats a good arguement to stop congestion

Originally posted by rich5315
im 40 and have got 9 years no claims and im still paying £700 for my car insurance,

out of interest what car do you have?
i have been drving 1 year. have 1 years no claims and am 24. my insurance including other drivers on it is much less than this.i drive a 1.4 which in insurance terms is classed as a sports version due to the trim. so i think you are being ripped off in insurance.

Originally posted by Hels
One of the problems with new (particularly young) drivers is as soon as they pass their test they think they can drive and they think they know everything.

It makes me laugh how some of these new, young drivers think they are far superior to everyone else - it only illustrates their immaturity :thumbsup:


I'd disagree here, as new drivers DO know a damn site more than the motorists that have been driving for years and years, everything they have learned is still fresh in their head, they just lack the skill to tie it all together.

Which kinda comes to your second point there, the knowledge of new drivers is superior to a more experienced driver, who has had the time to become set in their bad habits.

In terms of knowing what to do, new drivers are superior, but by the time they are experienced enough to execute it, they will have forgotten.

Don't get me started on insurance!

I used to drive a 1.3 Ka, with proper engine modifications, none of this backbox and a filter lark, RR'd at around 90bhp as my first car, it had 15" wheels and a bodykit. Insurance was £1400.

I sold that and bought a vauxhall astra 1.8 sport, with 125bhp.
Insurance is £1300. I have been driving less than a year, I have 6 points on my licence combined from my full bike licence. I have also never had an accident.:loopy:

Originally posted by savbaby
they always say the worst drivers pass 1st time.

Oi I passed first time (probably much to Saxon's suprise :hihi: ) and I consider myself to be a very careful and concious driver in todays society :suspect:

Ask half the forum, they've all sampled DJ cabs at some point :roll:

Originally posted by rich5315
sorry to hear about your bad experience while out shopping,
your right there is some bad drivers out there. Did you know around 60% of your insurance premium is to cover for these bad drivers. not bragging ive been driving a car for 21 years and had no accidents (you watch ill have one now) im 40 and have got 9 years no claims and im still paying £700 for my car insurance, I think your insurance should be based on your own record not someone elses, if they made it so you got a 3 month ban after an accident (if proven to be your fault) then it would certainly make people more aware when driving.
Also (not having a go at elderly drivers) but i think they should make drivers over 60 take a retest and medical inc eye test every 3 years (hgv drivers have to) 40% of people drive with defective eye sight, i know elderly drivers that drive at 25mph everywhere no matter what, thats a good arguement to stop congestion

that sounds awfully expensive, I pay less than that on a performance car, and I'm younger and with lower no claims and less experience. (Fully comp, not 3pft).

Hi, i drive a vectra 2.5 and use an insurance search company who find me the cheapest quote out of 30,000 insurance companies. If i go through the yellow pages and telephone companies non of them can beat the premium i pay at present.:confused:

I pay £1350/ year to insure my 1.8 golf insured TPFT.. It's my first car and I haven't got any no claims bonus.. It's shocking but that's the way it is. Next year it'll go down to £870 which is still a lot of money but a lot more affordable.

Originally posted by rich5315
Hi, i drive a vectra 2.5 and use an insurance search company who find me the cheapest quote out of 30,000 insurance companies. If i go through the yellow pages and telephone companies non of them can beat the premium i pay at present.:confused:

not disimilar to my car, cougar 2.5 v6, but you have higher no claims, so you should be getting cheaper insurance than me. Try norwich union, they have an online quote thingy.

Just ban the school run, 50% less traffic overnight!

lets have a bad drivers day then. blindfold them, fill them full of drink and drugs and let them kill or maim each other, obviously wouldn't solve anything but if someone was on the ball they could film the carnage and turn it into a documentary, sell it it to channel 4, make loads of money and then move to a island in the hebrides and transport themselves around in a pony and trap for the rest of their lives muttering banal rubbish all day. If i was the prime minister, that's what i'd do.

Originally posted by Sony
I pay £1350/ year to insure my 1.8 golf insured TPFT.. It's my first car and I haven't got any no claims bonus.. It's shocking but that's the way it is. Next year it'll go down to £870 which is still a lot of money but a lot more affordable.

I know you've only just passed your test but have you thought about doing Pass Plus?

See here (http://www.horizonschoolofmotoring.co.uk/passplus.htm) for details. You could get your first year's No Claims Bonus now by doing it